Key Takeaways
- Nvidia (NVDA) to invest $1 billion in South Korea’s Naver Corp (NHNCF) as part of a massive $10 billion project to expand "AI factory" infrastructure.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departs for Washington to meet President Donald Trump, with a primary focus on addressing the Iran nuclear threat and regional security.
- UK’s Downing Street (No. 10) officially dismissed rumors of scrapping council tax and stamp duty, aiming to stabilize a housing market unsettled by policy speculation.
- Naver shares surged 10% in Seoul following the announcement of the Nvidia partnership, which includes a 9 billion dollar funding commitment from Brookfield Asset Management.
Nvidia Deepens Ties with South Korea in $10B AI Infrastructure Push
Nvidia (NVDA) has finalized a strategic agreement to invest $1 billion in Naver Corp (NHNCF), South Korea’s leading internet platform. The investment, executed through a third-party share allotment, will grant Nvidia a 4.5% stake in the company, making it the third-largest shareholder. This capital infusion is part of a broader $10 billion initiative involving Brookfield Asset Management, which has signed a non-binding term sheet to provide up to $9 billion in financing.
The partnership aims to expand Naver’s GAK Sejong data center from its current 55-megawatt capacity to 200 megawatts by 2028. The facility will serve as a "sovereign AI factory," utilizing Nvidia’s latest Vera Rubin and Blackwell chip platforms. Market analysts view this move as a critical step for Nvidia to secure long-term infrastructure demand in the Asia-Pacific region while bolstering South Korea's national AI competitiveness.
Netanyahu Heads to Washington Amid Regional Tensions
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has departed for Washington D.C. for high-stakes discussions with President Donald Trump. Before takeoff, Netanyahu emphasized that Iran remains the top priority on his agenda, alongside goals to maintain Israeli security and "expand the circle of peace." The meeting comes at a volatile time, as the U.S. and Iran recently paused a series of lethal strikes following a two-week escalation.
The Prime Minister’s visit is expected to address the potential for renewed joint military operations and the status of Iran’s nuclear program. Diplomatic sources suggest Netanyahu is seeking a clear ultimatum from the U.S. administration to leverage against regional adversaries. Concurrently, the Israeli security cabinet has reportedly approved a framework that could allow an international force into Gaza, a move that may be discussed during the Washington summit.
UK Government Rejects Radical Property Tax Reforms
Downing Street has moved swiftly to kill speculation regarding major changes to property taxes. Reports had suggested that Prime Minister Andy Burnham was considering scrapping council tax and stamp duty in favor of a proportional property tax. However, No. 10 issued a firm denial, stating that such changes are not under consideration, citing the risk of "cooling the housing market" through prolonged uncertainty.
The speculation arose after Burnham’s first major broadcast interview, where he suggested that wealthier homeowners in Southern England might need to pay more to ensure "fairness" for the North. While the government is under pressure from over 100 Labour MPs to reform the "regressive" council tax system, the official stance remains focused on stability. The housing sector responded with cautious relief, as the removal of stamp duty speculation prevents a potential freeze in property transactions.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.